Fort Lauderdale-based Mares Catamarans debuted its new 45-foot powercat at the 2014 Palm Beach International Boat Show. With a striking navy blue hull and open flybridge, it projects a classically nautical image while offering a sporty look up top.

Its stable, fuel-efficient performance is thanks to pod-drive technology, asymmetrical hull design and foil assist in the hull tunnel. Mares president Leonard Noble says a “yacht-fish” version of the 45 is in the works, as is a 60-foot powercat at the company’s yard in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and should debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October 2014. “The hull of the 45 is unique because it’s asymmetrical,” says Noble. “That lets us keep the beam similar to a monohull. You don’t lose the accommodation area forward, and it’s great for rough sea conditions.”

The Mares 45 is beamier at the front and tapers aft, he explains, “so she’s popping more up in the tunnel and the more lift you get, the better ride and fuel economy you get.” Foils are placed near the boat’s center of gravity to accentuate lift and thus further improve ride quality and fuel efficiency. “You saw it with the America’s Cup,” says Noble. “But even though it was sailboats, we incorporate the same concept in our hulls.”